BMH returns to normal operation and ends testing, vaccine clinics
BRATTLEBORO - Brattleboro Memorial Hospital has returned to normal operations.
In an email, BMH president and CEO Steve Gordon wrote that “many of our staff members who were temporarily reassigned during January's Omicron surge have started to return to their home departments” and that, starting this week, BMH will “begin providing services and procedures that had been reduced or postponed due to staffing challenges.”
Due to the decrease in scheduled testing and vaccine appointments and the need to assign staff back to their home departments, Gordon said BMH has notified the state that it is unable to continue to operate the COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinics. Both clinics ended on Feb. 26.
“We have been in discussions with another local organization and expect that community testing and vaccination services will continue in Brattleboro,” Gordon wrote. “BMH was a leader in the state and community when it comes to testing and vaccines, and I am extremely proud of all of the staff who made it possible to administer 27,868 vaccines and 37,833 tests.”
Starting this week, primary care practices are returning to in-person appointments, including wellness visits. Rehabilitation services (physical therapy and occupational therapy) are returning to full in-person appointments, cardiac and pulmonary rehab have reopened, and surgical services are opening all three operating rooms for surgical procedures.
With return to normal operations, BMH has updated its visitor guidelines. Visiting hours are now 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with only one adult or one adult visitor and one minor visitor (between 2 and 12 years of age) permitted for both inpatient and outpatient visits. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 18 is considered the visitor. Visitors must be over two years of age and able to wear a mask properly throughout the visit, and minors should not be without an adult escort while in the BMH facility.
Guilford Cares resumes tai chi for fall prevention classes
GUILFORD - The Guilford Community Church has re-opened for in-person gatherings, so Guilford Cares will once again sponsor two tai chi classes at the church on Wednesday mornings. Ongoing beginners will meet from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., and beginners will meet 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
The instructor, Leah Gessner is certified in fall prevention tai chi. There is no charge for these classes. Donations are welcome. Vaccination and masks are required.
These classes practice basic tai chi forms to improve strength and balance. The pace is smooth, slow, and can be done while seated if necessary. For more information, contact Gessner at 802-579-1350 or guilfordcaresvt@gmail.com.
Church reopening in Wardsboro
WARDSBORO - The Wardsboro Yoked Parish will reopen for in-person worship service at the Baptist Church on Sunday, March 6, at 9 a.m., on Cross Road in West Wardsboro.
Communion will be observed then. Individuals attending will be required to wear a face mask while indoors whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated. Social distancing will remain in effect and hand sanitizer will be made available.
Senior meal served in Dummerston
DUMMERSTON - Evening Star Grange and Senior Solutions will present their annual Corned Beef and Cabbage senior lunch on Wednesday, March 9, as a take-out meal only. The pick-up time remains from 11:30 a.m. to 1 pm.
The menu will include corned beef (with a vegetarian quiche as an option), cabbage, boiled potatoes, buttered carrots, and Irish soda bread with pistachio breeze for dessert.
Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 802-254-1128 and leaving your name, telephone number, and number of meals desired. A donation of $3 for those 60 and above and $4 for ages 59 and under is suggested.
Brattleboro Area Hospice resumes bereavement volunteer training
BRATTLEBORO - After a two-year Covid-driven hiatus, Brattleboro Area Hospice will conduct an eight-week training program for bereavement volunteers, starting on Monday, March 21, and continuing weekly through May 9, from 5 to 8 p.m.
“This is a chance to be trained and work as a bereavement volunteer for one of the most helpful and exciting organizations in the area,” organizers said in a news release. “Bereavement volunteers provide emotional support and companionship to individuals grieving the death loss of a loved one.”
Applications for the training are being accepted until Thursday, March 10. An online fillable application is available at bit.ly/653-hospice or you can contact the office. No experience is needed and space is limited. Cost for the training is $40 for materials. Following the eight-week training, volunteers are expected to commit to one hour per week spent with a bereaved individual.
For more information, contact bereavement program coordinator Lars Hunter at 802-257-0775, ext. 104 or lars.hunter@brattleborohospice.org.
Strength training offered at Brattleboro Senior Center
BRATTLEBORO - The Brattleboro Senior Center will offer a strength training class with Lissa Stark twice a week in the Gibson-Aiken Center on Main Street.
This course will focus on exercises that help participants to become and stay strong, including techniques to improve balance, strengthen muscle, and promote health and wellness. This course is designed for all levels and no prior experience is necessary. A minimum of five participants is required. This class will run Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., and Fridays 10 to 10:45 a.m.
For more information, call 802-257-7570. If you would like to receive the Senior Center's monthly program newsletter via email, contact assistant director Sarah Clark at sclark@brattleboro.org.